These “Interpretations of the Butterfly” have been created by Children with Autism, in collaboration with noted local artists. The HEAL Foundation, dedicated to helping individuals on the First Coast with autism,  held the third annual “Valley of Dreams” Gala and Golf Classic at the TPC Sawgrass in June of 2009. New this year at the event was “The Butterfly Project.”  HEAL’s partners, The Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens and the Museum of Contemporary Art-Jacksonville (MOCA), helped bring this project to fruition. Working together, they  created 14 original oil paintings of butterflies, which were auctioned off at the event.

The first painting was a collaboration between local artists, Holly Green and Cynthia Walburn along with Jose, Alicia, Raquel, Gentry, Evan and Liz during the HEAL sponsored camp at MOCA-Jacksonville. Many children on the Autism Spectrum attended this Spring Break Arts Camp offered at both museums. Many children with autism are unable to express their ideas and feelings verbally.  Through this initiative, the children are given the rare opportunity to paint and play in a setting which provokes them to create their own expressive masterpieces.

Throughout 2010,  exhibitions of The Butterfly Project will migrate to venues across the First Coast.  In October 2010, the Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville will host a fundraiser and Art Auction of the pieces that have been created through the year.  Please contact the HEAL Foundation if you are interested in hosting a showing, or attending the fundraiser.  You can email us at events@healautismnow.org.